Employment Specialist, Breaking Barriers

Chrysalis Center Inc•Los Angeles, CA

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Breaking Barriers is an innovative 24-month rapid rehousing program that serves adults who are on felony probation in Los Angeles County and are experiencing homelessness. Breaking Barriers provides employment services, a rental subsidy combined with housing retention, and intensive case management services. The goal is for clients to fully assume rental payments and “transition in place” at program end. The Employment Specialist works 1-on-1 with clients to provide employment services with the goal that clients get ready for a job, find a job, and keep a job. Responsible for a dedicated caseload, the successful candidate will have the ability to use independent judgment, exceptional organizational skills, and have a willingness to incorporate emerging industry best practices and techniques in their work. The candidate will also have a willingness to travel throughout Los Angeles County, with approximately 50-60% of the time spent in the field.

Requirements

2 + years direct services/relevant experience preferred
Experience working with individuals who have been affected by the criminal justice system and/or individuals who have experienced homelessness preferred
Bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred
Passion for the Chrysalis’s mission
Strong interpersonal and client engagement skills
Ability to interact with clients, colleagues, partners from various cultures and lifestyles with diplomacy and tact
Excellent verbal, written, and written communication skills
Self-starter with “can do” attitude and initiative
Strong organizational and record keeping skills
Ability to work independently and utilize critical thinking skills in decision making situations
Ability to work in a fast-paced professional environment
Flexibility regarding scheduling and prioritization of tasks
Maintain confidential information and exercise discretion
Computer knowledge (Internet research, Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and willingness to learn other systems as required

Responsibilities

Orient, assess job readiness, and provide employment counseling services for working and non-working clients
Conduct 1-on-1 job readiness activities with clients, including job preparation classes, resume building, practice interviews, job applications, computer tutorials, cover letters, reference lists, job search guidance, etc.
Meet with clients frequently and regularly in the home, community, and office to develop and implement an individualized employment services plan and identify short and long-term goals
Providing encouragement & motivation to clients throughout the job search process
Provide referrals to educational, training, Chrysalis social enterprises and other social services
Maintain up-to-date referral resources for clients to facilitate employment search
Participate in Chrysalis meetings and case conferences sharing best practices and providing thought partnership to colleagues
Collaborate and communicate with all Breaking Barriers partners on a regular basis
Provide training ideas and resources to leadership team, including the opportunity to conduct workshops for colleagues within the department and across the organization
Celebrate achievements and brainstorm solutions for department and organization-wide goals
Adhere to all Chrysalis policies and procedures and code of ethics
Represent Chrysalis to stakeholders by providing site tours and presenting on services
Maintain accurate client/program data to manage caseload and generate reports as needed
Document each service, the outcome and next steps, as well as any observations of clients’ skills, job readiness, and/or growth opportunities into the Salesforce case management database
Analyze and report weekly/monthly/quarterly data as required to maintain accurate client and program-based statistics